A clergyman has said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were model parents for Prince George during a christening at his Essex church on Sunday.

Reverend Ken Dunstan, of St Barnabas in Mayland, Chelmsford, who presided over the service at which Kate was one of four godparents, told Sky News: "Prince George was awake the whole time, and the royal couple took turns to hold their son. They got it just right.

"They passed George between them when necessary because Catherine had to be part of the baptism."

The Cambridges' attendance at the christening was kept a closely-guarded secret until the very last minute, with church staff only being told on the day itself.

Prince George was born last July

"I only had a few days’ notice myself as the child's parents had been waiting for confirmation from Kensington Palace," said Rev Dunstan.

"I was phoned and told the final godmother would be able to attend the christening. Then they said who it was.

"I only told the organist 10 minutes before, who didn't believe me. Afterwards they said 'I thought you were winding me up'.

"Most of the congregation got a bit of a surprise when the couple arrived with Prince George."

The identity of the couple christening their child is being kept a secret.

Rev Dunstan was also keen to point out that the focus of the day was entirely on the child being baptised.

"I knew that William and Catherine were sitting with the parents of the child, but I only really focused my attention on the service," he explained.

"I treat everyone as individuals, whether they're on benefits or a princess, so long as they make the right promises.

"The Duchess stood up when I asked her to stand up and said what she had to say in chorus with the other Godparents."

Prince George was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace last year, three months after William and Kate became parents.

At Sunday's christening Prince George was one of three babies in the congregation, all of whom "behaved impeccably", according to Rev Dunstan.